Mexican Black Bean Soup- In Memory of Sher

Sher's black bean soup recipe.

Sher and I never met. We were what people refer to as blogging acquaintances. We exchanged occasional comments on one another's blogs and admired each other's penchant for rustic Mexican recipes. Real food, with big flavor. Last Sunday lovely Sher passed away suddenly- from a heart attack. She was 59. Today food bloggers are joining in memory of Sher- and her enthusiastic love of good food- by posting one of her recipes. I suspect this would please her no end; as her blog title suggests, the first question asked by her family on any occasion is...

What did you eat?

Today we are collectively offering, One of your recipes, Sher!

Sher's friend Kalynwrote about Sher that they shared the same taste buds, and although three's a crowd, I have an urge to raise my hand and say, Me too! Can my taste buds join? There was never a recipe on Sher's blog that did not inspire me. I loved the way she cooked. As I love the way Kalyn cooks.

I've yet to meet Kalyn in person- and now, more than ever, I am hoping we get to meet up and raise a margarita.

Sher found this recipe in an issue of Food and Wine. I tweaked it slightly (more garlic and lime juice). Add any Southwestern style garnish you like- Sher suggests avocado slices and sour cream. Why not?

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium high until shimmering.

Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic along with the chipotle or roasted chile, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the black beans and chicken stock and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Using a potato masher, coarsely crush some of the beans. (I did not crush any beans.)

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

Add the sausage to the beans, along with the lime juice and cilantro; season with sea salt and pepper.

Simmer the soup for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.

The couple of spoons of soup I had were great! But, alas, my husband told me that the canned chipotles (with adobe sauce) have wheat in them. I checked the ingredients on the can we bought, and, alas! and it does. Make sure you check the label. I will make this again with gluten-free chipotles. Does anyone have a brand that is GF?